Can Aboline stay the traditional 2400-metre Derby distance? |
| Aboline’s time of 2 05.6 in the 2000-metre Kingfisher Bangalore Derby tells a story that is difficult to counter. Christopher Alford was able to control the pace to his advantage and in essence, stole the Derby from his 17 adversaries. We have to give Arjun Mangalorkar credit for getting Aboline fighting fit. Special credit goes to jockey Alford for making the most of an opportunity presented to him. I spoke to Arjun Mangalorkar. I asked him what new or special equipment, if any, he had used on Aboline on Derby day. “I used a tongue strap. And, a cross nose band. I have not used these in any of my colt’s prior runs.” “In the Colts Trial Stakes, two things went against Aboline. There were false rails five metres off and the grass had grown taller and thicker because of non-use. Aboline was on the inside and that put him at a disadvantage. Another critical thing in the Colts Trial, Christopher was not intent on having the lead. Aboline likes it when he makes the running. He does his best that way. In the future, we may use a different style of racing but at the moment, being up front brings out the best in my colt and that was not done in the Colts Trial. The two who beat Aboline had the center of the track which provided a much better galloping surface. In the Derby, I believe, Aboline struck the front within the first 50 metres. He strode out well, was well within himself and able to relax. It all worked out well,” trainer Mangalorkar said. I asked Arjun what he thought about Aboline getting 2400 metres. “I don’t want to speculate. We have to try and find out. I think that he will manage 2400 metres if he has the right trip. Many doubted his ability to get 2000 metres and he has given an answer.” When asked to comment on the ‘course relocation’ question, Arjun had this to say. “I do not want to say anything on the politics of running the track. I am in the business of training horses and I’ll focus my energy on what I am doing.” I wanted to get jockey Alford’s reaction. I reached him in Kolkata. This is the first time I was speaking to C Alford. He was patient, let me speak and was extremely attentive. His answers were crisp. “Yes, the plan was to get to the front. Aboline has strong early foot. I knew I could outsprint the others leaving the gate. I was on the lead without using Aboline too hard. The key was establishing control quickly and I am happy I was able to use Aboline’s early speed to good effect. I had no intention of letting anyone get in front. As it turned out, it was a pressure-free lead.” I asked Alford how fast did he think he was going especially because fractional times are not posted in India. “I think I did 1200 metres in 1 13 or may be, 1 14 and then on, the tempo picked up. Once I hit the straight, I was all out. When we reached the last 200 metres, my tank was empty. There is no way I could have found another gear. I knew Jacqueline had come out of the pack and was chasing me and making up ground. My colt had given me everything and I was praying that the winning post would come to my rescue. That lead I took helped me last.” The next question was whether Aboline will get 2400 metres, the Indian Derby distance at Mahalakshmi. “ Bangalore has an uphill part in the stretch. It is a test. In Mumbai, it is a flat track. It will be easier. Aboline is still learning. There is a lot more to come. I am confident he will adopt himself and learn to come off the pace. On Sunday, I wanted to be in front and I will do the experimenting later.” Talking about Aboline’s only loss in the Colts Trial, C Alford said, “I relinquished the lead. If I had not, Aboline would have a perfect record. I had faith and I have been rewarded.” I wanted jockey Alford’s email address. His response was, “I’m not a computer person. Feel free to call me anytime you want.” Richard Hughes flew back to London Monday morning. Windsor had a six-race card starting at 6 30 P M. Jockey Hughes won the fifth race at 8 30 PM with Romany Princess, a 7-1 chance. In the sixth race at 9 P M, Hughes connected with History Lesson, a 7-2 chance. It was a 35-1 riding double. Both winners come from Richard Hannon’s yard. Hughes is Hannon’s son in law. |
| [News Around Archives] |
|
|